The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Thessalonians 2:13, “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”

Walmart was jammed with people today as late Thanksgiving shoppers (yours truly, included) hurried to buy pies

and food of all sorts in order to lay a proper table for a Family Thanksgiving Dinner. Next to CHRISTmas, Thanks-giving is the most memorable day of the year. Carts clashed as people hurriedly (make that, “too hurriedly”) spun the corrner and raced down the aisle to locate their favorite delacy before someone else snatched the last item!

Yet, with all of the “hussle and bussel,” folks were friendly and warm, even stopping to visit, which may have been

someone’s advantage in grasping that “favorite food.” Still, In all of the maddening crowd, people were cheerful. They said, “Excuse me,” “So sorry,” and even “Thank you.” Imagine! Saying, “Thank you” at Thanksgiving!

According to the Etymological Dictionary, “Even though the language of “thank you ” dates back hundreds of years…, the concept of gratitude has always been a piece of human interaction. The fact that nearly every language today embodies the idea of thanking someone is incredible and goes to show how human communication can survive across different cultures and times….Today, take the time to say ‘thank you’ to anyone and everyone who deserves gratitude. Whether it’s in English, Mandarin, or sign language— show your appreciation for those around you.”

Now, who could disagree with that? More important still, is the Apostle Paul’s instruction that “we should always give thanks to God…!” Yes, it beyond question that the early founders of our American Republic were God-fearing men! Careful history reveals that most of our Constitutional Convention Framers were “born again” Christian gentlemen. Even the few, who were not, were God-fearing men, who recognized His role in the foundation of the Republic.

Remember that “Thanksgiving List” I asked you to make? Have you made it? Don’t forget to Thank God personally in prayer as you construct the list. The Word says, that we “are beloved by the LORD…,and “sanctified by the Holy Spirit,” If it were not for Him, you and I couldn’t compose such a list at all! God bless you! Have a Glorious Thanksgiving! And may the LORD be thanked and praised for all His great works and wonders! You are in my prayers.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”